Photoacid generators and lithographic resists comprising the same

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides photoacid generators for use in chemically amplified resists and lithographic processes using the same.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

The present application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/060,166, filed Jun. 10, 2008, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/112,546, filed Nov. 7, 2008, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to photoacid generating compounds, lithographic resists comprising photoacid generating compounds, and to various lithographic processes and applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The microelectronic industry has made remarkable progress with the development of integrated circuit (IC) technology, fueled by Moore's law (Intel), which is the doubling of the number of transistors on a single chip every 2-3 years. This enables faster and more sophisticated semiconductor circuits. The exponential growth of this technology depends on the fabrication of smaller feature sizes down to the nanometer scale, forecasted as the 22 nm half pitch node.

Although EUV lithography at 13.5 nm wavelength has emerged as a promising candidate to meet the resolution requirements of the microelectronic industry roadmap, the development of advanced photoresist materials with all of the required imaging properties remains challenging and is one of the major subjects of current nanolithography research. The requirements for such photoresists include high photospeed, high resolution, low line edge roughness, low outgassing, low pattern cross-sectional aspect ratio and profile, high pattern transfer and etch resistance, low defect density, and high reproducibility. Among the foregoing, high photospeed, high resolution and low line edge/line width roughness (LER/LWR) are the most critical requirements. The design of novel resist materials that can achieve all three characteristics is the key for the progression of Moore's law via the continued success of high resolution nanopatterning in integrated circuit manufacturing.

Two primary types of resist polymers that have been investigated are chain-scission resists and pendant chemically amplified (CA) resists. Upon irradiation of a chain-scission resist film, the molecular weights of the polymers in the exposed regions are decreased via chain scission reactions arising from the irradiation. As a result, solubility differentiation is achieved between the exposed and the unexposed regions. Chemically amplified resists, however, achieve solubility differentiation based on an acid-catalyzed deprotection reaction which changes the polarity of the polymer in the exposed region. A typical CA resist formula consists of a matrix polymer and a photoacid generator (PAG). Upon irradiation with an electron beam or extreme UV radiation, the PAG generates a strong acid that catalyzes the deprotection reaction.

Several classes of PAGs have been used in CA resists. These PAGs, however, are almost exclusively used in their small molecule forms, and small molecule PAGs typically exhibit limited compatibility with the resist polymer matrix. As a result, problems such as phase separation, non-uniform acid distribution, and non-uniform acid migration occurring during temperature fluctuations (e.g. variation in baking processing) may arise. Such limitations frequently lead to an undesirable, premature and non-uniform deprotection reaction in the CA resist film.

SUMMARY

The present invention addresses several of the current limitations in lithographic techniques by providing photoacid generators and lithographic resists comprising photoacid generators which, in some embodiments, can achieve high sensitivity, high contrast, high resolution, and/or high dry etch resistance for pattern transfer to a substrate. Moreover, the present invention provides photoacid generators and resists that can address compatibility problems which can lead to phase separation, non-uniform acid distribution, and non-uniform acid migration occurring during temperature fluctuations.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides an anionic photoacid generator of Formula (I):

wherein

R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from the group consisting of -hydrogen, -alkyl, -alkenyl, -alkynyl, -cycloalkyl, -fluoroalkyl, -fluoroalkenyl, -fluoroalkynyl, -aryl, -heteroaryl, —O-alkyl, —O-alkenyl, —O-aryl, —O-alkylene-aryl, —O-alkylene-arylene-alkyl, —O-alkylene-arylene-alkenyl, —OC(O)-alkyl, —OC(O)-alkenyl, —O-alkylene-O-alkenyl, -carboxyl, -hydroxyl, -halo, -cyano and -nitro,

wherein the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl groups of R¹-R⁶ are optionally and independently substituted one of more times with a substituent selected from the group consisting of -alkyl, -alkenyl, -fluoroalkyl, -fluoroalkyl, -aryl, —O-alkyl, —O-alkenyl, —O-aryl, —O-alkylene-aryl, -carboxyl, -hydroxyl, -halo, and -nitro; and

X⁺is a compound selected from the group consisting of a sulfonium compound or an ionium compound.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a cationic photoacid generator of Formula (II):

wherein

R¹ is selected from the group consisting of -hydrogen, -alkyl, -alkenyl, -alkynyl, -cycloalkyl, -aryl, -heteroaryl, —O-alkyl, —O-alkenyl, —O-aryl, —O-alkylene-aryl, —O-alkylene-arylene-alkyl, —O-alkylene-arylene-alkenyl, —OC(O)-alkyl, —OC(O)-alkenyl, —O-alkylene-O-alkenyl, and —OH;

R² is selected from the group consisting of alkylene, cycloalkylene, arylene, heteroarylene and polycyclic;

R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from the group consisting of -hydrogen, -alkyl, -alkenyl, -alkynyl, -cycloalkyl, -aryl, -heteroaryl, —O-alkyl, —O-alkenyl, —O-aryl, —O-heteroaryl, —O-alkylene-aryl, —O-alkylene-arylene-alkyl, —O-alkylene-arylene-alkenyl;

wherein the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl of R¹ and R³-R⁶ are optionally and independently substituted one or more times with a substituent selected from the group consisting of -alkyl, -alkenyl, -alkynyl, cycloalkyl, -aryl, heteroaryl, —O-alkyl, —O-alkenyl, —O-aryl, —O-alkylene-aryl, -carboxyl, -hydroxyl, -halo, and -nitro; and

X⁻ is selected from the group consisting of CF₃SO₃ ⁻, C₄F₉SO₃ ⁻ and an anionic photoacid generator of Formula (I) wherein the counter cation is not present.

In another aspect, the present invention provides lithographic resists comprising photoacid generators described herein. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a lithographic resist comprising at least one photoacid generator of Formula (I). In another embodiment, the present invention provides a lithographic resist comprising at least one photoacid generator of Formula (II). In some embodiments, the present invention provides a lithographic resist comprising photoacid generators of Formulas (I) and (II).

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a lithographic resist comprising an adamantyl component and a photoacid generating component, wherein the photoacid generating component comprises at least one photoacid generator of Formula (I) and/or Formula (II). In some embodiments, the photoacid generating component comprises a plurality of photoacid generators of Formula (I) and/or Formula (II).

In some embodiments, the photoacid generating component is blended with the adamantyl component. In other embodiments, the photoacid generating component is incorporated into a polymeric chain of the lithographic resist through copolymerization with the adamantyl component.

A lithographic resist comprising an adamantyl component and a photoacid generating component, in some embodiments, further comprises a hydroxystyrene component or a γ-butyrolactone component. In some embodiments, the adamantyl component and hydroxystyrene component or γ-butyrolactone component are copolymerized.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a lithographic resist comprising a polycarbonate and a photoacid generating component, wherein the photoacid generating component comprises at least one photoacid generator of Formula (I) and/or Formula (II). In some embodiments, the polycarbonate has a cyclic structure. Moreover, in some embodiments, the polycarbonate is operable to undergo acid-catalyzed thermolytic depolymerization. In some embodiments the photoacid generating component is blended with the polycarbonate. In other embodiments, the photoacid generating component is incorporated into the polymeric chain of the polycarbonate. In some embodiments, the photoacid generating component is incorporated into the polymeric chain of the polycarbonate by chemical reaction with one or more functional or linking groups associated with the polymeric chain.

In another aspect, the present invention provides one or a plurality of acid amplifiers for use in a chemically amplified lithographic resist. An acid amplifier works in conjunction with a photoacid generator to produce additional acid for the deprotection reaction resulting in a polarity change of the chemically amplified resist. In some embodiments, the present invention provides an acid amplifier of Formula (III):

wherein

R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹² are independently selected from the group consisting of

-hydrogen, -alkyl, -alkenyl, -alkynyl, -cycloalkyl, -fluoroalkyl, -fluoroalkenyl, -fluoroalkynyl, -aryl, -heteroaryl, —O-alkyl, —O-alkenyl, —O-aryl, —O-alkylene-aryl, —O-alkylene-arylene-alkyl, —O-alkylene-arylene-alkenyl, —OC(O)-alkyl, —OC(O)-alkenyl, -carboxyl, -hydroxyl, -halo, -cyano and -nitro, wherein the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl groups of R¹-R⁸ are optionally and independently substituted one of more times with a substituent selected from the group consisting of -alkyl, -alkenyl, -fluoroalkyl, -fluoroalkyl, -aryl, —O-alkyl, —O-alkenyl, —O-aryl, —O-alkylene-aryl, —OC(O)-alkyl, —OC(O)-alkenyl, -carboxyl, -hydroxyl, -halo, and -nitro.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a lithographic resist comprising an acid amplifier of Formula (III). In some embodiments, one or a plurality of acid amplifiers are blended into lithographic resists. In other embodiments, one or a plurality of acid amplifiers are incorporated into a polymeric backbone of the resist through copolymerization with monomers constructing the resist. Moreover, in some embodiments, a lithographic resist comprising an acid amplifier of Formula (III) further comprises a photoacid generator of Formula (I) and/or Formula (II). As provided herein, the photoacid generator of Formula (I) and/or Formula (II) can be blended into the lithographic resist comprising the acid amplifier of Formula (III) or incorporated into a polymeric chain of the resist through copolymerization with the acid amplifier as well as other chemical species of the resist such as an adamantyl component and/or a hydroxystyrene component.

In a further aspect the present invention provides one or a plurality of energy harvesting units for use in a chemically amplified resist. Energy harvesting units, in some embodiments, enhance the acid quantum yield of the lithographic resist by capturing greater amounts of the electromagnetic radiation striking the resist during a lithographic process. In some embodiments, an energy harvesting unit is blended into a lithographic resist comprising a photoacid generating component. In other embodiments, an energy harvesting unit is incorporated into a polymeric chain of the resist by copolymerization with other chemical species of the resist such as a photoacid generator, adamantyl component, hydroxystyrene component or combinations thereof.

Energy harvesting units, in some embodiments, comprise conjugated chemical species including conjugated polymers. In some embodiments, conjugated polymers comprise polythiophenes, polyphenylene vinylene (PPV), poly(2-vinylpyridine) (P2VP), polyamides, poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVCZ), polypyrrole (PPy), and polyaniline (PAn). In some embodiments, conjugated chemical species comprise pyrroles, furans, thiophenes, imidazoles, thiazoles, pyridines, pyrimidines, quinolines, isoquinolines, indoles, purines, and other fused ring aromatic species.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a lithographic resist comprising at least one energy harvesting unit. In some embodiments, a lithographic resist comprising at least one energy harvesting unit further comprises a photoacid generator. In some embodiments, a photoacid generator comprises a photoacid generator of Formula (I) or Formula (II). In some embodiments, as provided herein, the photoacid generator is blended into the lithographic resist or incorporated into a polymeric chain of the resist. Alternatively, in some embodiments, a photoacid generator is pendantly bound to an energy harvesting unit wherein the photoacid generator is not in the backbone of a polymeric chain of the resist.

In some embodiments, a lithographic resist comprising at least one energy harvesting unit and photoacid generator further comprises an acid amplifier as described herein. In some embodiments, an acid amplifier is blended into the resist or incorporated into a polymeric chain of the resist.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a lithographic resist comprising at least one adhesion unit. An adhesion unit, in some embodiments, enhances the adhesion of a lithographic resist to a substrate.

In some embodiments, a lithographic resist of the present invention has an acid generation efficiency greater than about 70%. In another embodiment, a lithographic resist has an acid generation efficiency greater than about 75% or greater than about 80%. In some embodiments, a lithographic resist has an acid generation efficiency greater than about 85% or greater than about 90%. Acid generation efficiencies of lithographic resists of the present invention can be determined according to procedures described herein.

In another aspect, the present invention provides lithographic processes. In one embodiment, a lithographic process of the present invention comprises exposing a lithographic recording medium to radiation to form a pattern, wherein the lithographic recording medium comprises a resist as described herein. In some embodiments, a lithographic process further comprises developing the pattern. In some embodiments of lithographic processes of the present invention, radiation used in the patterning of resists comprises extreme ultraviolet radiation (EUV), x-ray radiation, 193 nm radiation, electron beam radiation, ion beam radiation, or combinations thereof.

In another aspect, the present invention provides integrated circuits prepared by lithographic processes utilizing the presently described resists.

These and other features, embodiments, objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after a review of the following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates various photoacid generators of Formula (I) according some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a synthetic scheme for producing a photoacid generator of Formula (I) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a synthetic scheme for producing a photoacid generator of Formula (II) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a mechanistic pathway for the operation of an acid amplifier according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates various acid amplifiers of Formula (III) according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a synthetic scheme for producing an acid amplifier of Formula (III) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrate a lithographic resist comprising a hydroxystyrene component, adamantyl component, photoacid generator and acid amplifier according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates various energy harvesting units according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a lithographic resist comprising an adhesion unit, adamantyl component and energy harvesting unit having a photoacid generator bound thereto according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates various energy harvesting units having a photoacid generator bound thereto according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a synthetic scheme for producing an energy harvesting unit having a photoacid generator bound thereto according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a synthetic scheme for producing an energy harvesting unit having a photoacid generator bound thereto according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a lithographic resist comprising an adhesion unit, adamantyl component, energy harvesting unit and photoacid generator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a synthetic scheme for producing a photoacid generator of Formula (I) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a synthetic scheme for producing a photoacid generator of Formula (I) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a synthetic scheme for producing a lithographic resist according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a lithographic resist comprising a polycarbonate having a photoacid generator incorporated into the polymeric chain according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates a lithographic resist comprising a cyclic polycarbonate having a photoacid generator incorporated into the polymeric chain according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates a synthetic scheme for producing a lithographic resist comprising a polycarbonate having a photoacid generator incorporated into the polymeric chain of the polycarbonate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 illustrates a synthetic scheme for producing a photoacid generator of Formula (I) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 illustrates a synthetic scheme for producing a photoacid generator of Formula (II) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples and drawings and their previous and following descriptions. Compositions and methods of the present invention, however, are not limited to the specific embodiments presented in the detailed description, examples and drawings. It should be recognized that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and adaptations will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides an anionic photoacid generator of Formula (I):

wherein

R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from the group consisting of -hydrogen, -alkyl, -alkenyl, -alkynyl, -cycloalkyl, -fluoroalkyl, -fluoroalkenyl, -fluoroalkynyl, -aryl, -heteroaryl, —O-alkyl, —O-alkenyl, —O-aryl, —O-alkylene-aryl, —O-alkylene-arylene-alkyl, —O-alkylene-arylene-alkenyl, —OC(O)-alkyl, —OC(O)-alkenyl, —O-alkylene-O-alkenyl, -carboxyl, -hydroxyl, -halo, -cyano and -nitro,

wherein the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl groups of R¹-R⁶ are optionally and independently substituted one of more times with a substituent selected from the group consisting of -alkyl, -alkenyl, -fluoroalkyl, -fluoroalkyl, -aryl, —O-alkyl, —O-alkenyl, —O-aryl, —O-alkylene-aryl, -carboxyl, -hydroxyl, -halo, and -nitro; and

X⁺is a compound selected from the group consisting of a sulfonium compound or an ionium compound.

Sulfonium compounds, according to some embodiments of the present invention, have the formula:

wherein R¹⁴, R¹⁵, and R¹⁶ are independently selected from the group consisting of -alkyl and -aryl, wherein the aryl is optionally substituted 1 to 5 times with a substituent group, wherein the substituent group(s) are independently selected from the group consisting of -alkyl and -aryl.

Ionium compounds, according to some embodiments of the present invention, have the formula:

wherein R¹⁷ and R¹⁸ are independently selected from the group consisting of -alkyl and -aryl, wherein the aryl is optionally substituted 1 to 5 times with a substituent group, wherein the substituent group(s) are independently selected from the group consisting of -alkyl and -aryl.

Non-limiting examples of photoacid generators of Formula (I) are provided in FIG. 1. R in the non-limiting examples provided in the FIG. 1, in some embodiments, is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, —OC(O)-alkyl, —NO₂ and -halo. Moreover, FIGS. 2 and 20 illustrate various non-limiting synthetic schemes for producing a photoacid generator of Formula (I) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a cationic photoacid generator of Formula (II):

wherein

R¹ is selected from the group consisting of -hydrogen, -alkyl, -alkenyl, -alkynyl, -cycloalkyl, -aryl, -heteroaryl, —O-alkyl, —O-alkenyl, —O-aryl, —O-alkylene-aryl, —O-alkylene-arylene-alkyl, —O-alkylene-arylene-alkenyl, —OC(O)-alkyl, —OC(O)-alkenyl, —O-alkylene-O-alkenyl, and —OH;

R² is selected from the group consisting of alkylene, cycloalkylene, arylene, heteroarylene and polycyclic;

R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from the group consisting of -hydrogen, -alkyl, -alkenyl, -alkynyl, -cycloalkyl, -aryl, -heteroaryl, —O-alkyl, —O-alkenyl, —O-aryl, —O-heteroaryl, —O-alkylene-aryl, —O-alkylene-arylene-alkyl, —O-alkylene-arylene-alkenyl;

wherein the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl of R¹ and R³-R⁶ are optionally and independently substituted one or more times with a substituent selected from the group consisting of -alkyl, -alkenyl, -alkynyl, cycloalkyl, -aryl, heteroaryl, —O-alkyl, —O-alkenyl, —O-aryl, —O-alkylene-aryl, -carboxyl, -hydroxyl, -halo, and -nitro; and

X⁻ is selected from the group consisting of CF₃SO₃ ⁻, C₄F₉SO₃ ⁻ and an anionic photoacid generator of Formula (I) wherein the counter cation is not present.

FIG. 3 illustrates a synthetic scheme for producing a photoacid generator of Formula (II) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In another aspect, the present invention provides lithographic resists comprising photoacid generators described herein. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a lithographic resist comprising at least one photoacid generator of Formula (I). In another embodiment, the present invention provides lithographic resist comprising at least one photoacid generator of Formula (II). In some embodiments, the present invention provides a lithographic resist comprising a photoacid generator component of Formula (I) and Formula (II)

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a lithographic resist comprising an adamantyl component and a photoacid generating component, wherein the photoacid generating component comprises at least one photoacid generator of Formula (I) and/or Formula (II). In some embodiments, the photoacid generating component comprises a plurality of photoacid generators of Formula (I) and/or Formula (II).

In some embodiments, the photoacid generating component is blended with the adamantyl component. In other embodiments, the photoacid generating component is incorporated into a polymeric chain of the polymeric resist through copolymerization with the adamantyl component.

A lithographic resist comprising an adamantyl component and a photoacid generating component, in some embodiments, further comprises a hydroxystyrene component or a γ-butyrolactone component. In some embodiments, the adamantyl component and hydroxystyrene component or γ-butyrolactone component are copolymerized.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a lithographic resist comprising a polycarbonate and a photoacid generating component, wherein the photoacid generating component comprises at least one photoacid generator of Formula (I) and/or Formula (II). In some embodiments, the polycarbonate has a cyclic structure. Moreover, in some embodiments, the polycarbonate is operable to undergo acid-catalyzed thermolytic depolymerization. In some embodiments the photoacid generating component is blended with the polycarbonate. In other embodiments, the photoacid generating component is incorporated into the polymeric chain of the polycarbonate. In some embodiments, the photoacid generating component is incorporated into the polymeric chain of the polycarbonate by chemical reaction with one or more functional or linking groups associated with the polymeric chain.

FIG. 17 illustrates a lithographic resist comprising a polycarbonate having a photoacid generator incorporated into the polymeric chain according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, the photoacid generator is incorporated into the polymeric chain of the polycarbonate through a linking group.

FIG. 18 illustrates a lithographic resist comprising a cyclic polycarbonate having a photoacid generator incorporated into the polymeric chain according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18, the photoacid generator is incorporated into the polymeric chain of the polycarbonate through a linking group.

FIG. 19 illustrates a synthetic scheme for producing a lithographic resist comprising a polycarbonate having a photoacid generator incorporated into the polymeric chain of the polycarbonate according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19, a photoacid generator of Formula (II) is reacted with a bromine functionality pendant to the backbone of the polycarbonate to bind the photoacid generator to the polycarbonate chain. Numerous polycarbonates possessing the desired structural features can be prepared from a variety of diols, the polycarbonates suitable for blending or reacting with a photoacid generator of the present invention.

In another aspect, the present invention provides one or a plurality of acid amplifiers for use in a chemically amplified lithographic resist. As illustrated in FIG. 4, an acid amplifier works in conjunction with a photoacid generator to produce additional acid for the deprotection reaction resulting in a polarity change of the chemically amplified resist. In some embodiments, the present invention provides an acid amplifier of Formula (III):

wherein

R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹² are independently selected from the group consisting of

-hydrogen, -alkyl, -alkenyl, -alkynyl, -cycloalkyl, -fluoroalkyl, -fluoroalkenyl, -fluoroalkynyl, -aryl, -heteroaryl, —O-alkyl, —O-alkenyl, —O-aryl, —O-alkylene-aryl, —O-alkylene-arylene-alkyl, —O-alkylene-arylene-alkenyl, —OC(O)-alkyl, —OC(O)-alkenyl, -carboxyl, -hydroxyl, -halo, -cyano and -nitro, wherein the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl groups of R¹-R⁸ are optionally and independently substituted one of more times with a substituent selected from the group consisting of -alkyl, -alkenyl, -fluoroalkyl, -fluoroalkyl, -aryl, —O-alkyl, —O-alkenyl, —O-aryl, —O-alkylene-aryl, —OC(O)-alkyl, —OC(O)-alkenyl, -carboxyl, -hydroxyl, -halo, and -nitro.

FIG. 5 illustrates various acid amplifiers of Formula (III) according to some embodiments of the present invention. Moreover, FIG. 6 illustrates a synthetic scheme for producing a acid amplifier according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a lithographic resist comprising an acid amplifier of Formula (III). In some embodiments, one or a plurality of acid amplifiers are blended into lithographic resists. In other embodiments, one or a plurality of acid amplifiers are incorporated into a polymeric backbone of the resist through copolymerization with monomers constructing the resist. Acid amplifiers, in some embodiments, can be copolymerized with other monomers constructing the resist by radical polymerization techniques.

Moreover, in some embodiments, a lithographic resist comprising an acid amplifier of Formula (III) further comprises a photoacid generator of Formula (I) and/or Formula (II). As provided herein, a photoacid generator of Formula (I) and/or Formula (II) can be blended into the lithographic resist comprising the acid amplifier of Formula (III) or incorporated into a polymeric chain of the resist through copolymerization with the acid amplifier as well as other chemical species of the resist such as an adamantyl component and/or a hydroxystyrene component. In some embodiments, an acid amplifier of Formula (III), a photoacid generator of Formula (I) and/or Formula (II) as well as other chemical species of the resist such as an adamantyl component and/or a hydroxystyrene component can be copolymerized by radical polymerization techniques.

FIG. 7 illustrates a lithographic comprising a hydroxystyrene component, adamantyl component, photoacid generator and acid amplifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. As displayed in FIG. 7, the hydroxystyrene component, adamantyl component, photoacid generator and acid amplifier are copolymerized in the production of the lithographic resist.

In a further aspect the present invention provides one or a plurality of energy harvesting units for use in a chemically amplified resist. Energy harvesting units, in some embodiments, enhance the acid quantum yield of the lithographic resist by capturing greater amounts of the electromagnetic radiation striking the resist during a lithographic process. In some embodiments, an energy harvesting unit is blended into a lithographic resist comprising a photoacid generating component. In other embodiments, an energy harvesting unit is incorporated into a polymeric chain of the resist by copolymerization with other chemical species of the resist such as a photoacid generator, adamantyl component, hydroxystyrene component or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, energy harvesting units can be copolymerized with other components of a lithographic resist by radical polymerization techniques.

Energy harvesting units, in some embodiments, comprise conjugated chemical species including conjugated polymers. In some embodiments, conjugated polymers comprise polythiophenes, polyphenylene vinylene (PPV), poly(2-vinylpyridine) (P2VP), polyamides, poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVCZ), polypyrrole (PPy), and polyaniline (PAn). In some embodiments, conjugated chemical species comprise pyrroles, furans, thiophenes, imidazoles, thiazoles, pyridines, pyrimidines, quinolines, isoquinolines, indoles, purines, and other fused ring aromatic species.

FIG. 8 illustrates various energy harvesting units according to some embodiments of the present invention.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a lithographic resist comprising at least one energy harvesting unit. In some embodiments, a lithographic resist comprising at least one energy harvesting unit further comprises a photoacid generator. In some embodiments, a photoacid generator comprises a photoacid generator of Formula (I) or Formula (II). In some embodiments, as provided herein, the photoacid generator is blended into the lithographic resist or incorporated into a polymeric chain of the resist. Alternatively, in some embodiments, a photoacid generator is pendantly bound to an energy harvesting unit wherein the photoacid generator is not in the backbone of a polymeric chain of the resist as illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 illustrates various energy harvesting units having a photoacid generator bound thereto according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the photoacid generator (PAG) bound to an energy harvesting unit of FIG. 10 has the formula:

wherein

is a point of attachment of the PAG to the energy harvesting unit and X⁺ is defined herein. In another embodiment, the PAG bound to the energy harvesting unit of FIG. 10 has the formula:

wherein

is a point of attachment of the PAG to the energy harvesting unit and X⁻ is defined herein.

Moreover, FIGS. 11 and 12 provide synthetic schemes for producing energy harvesting units having a photoacid generator bound thereto.

In some embodiments, a lithographic resist comprising at least one energy harvesting unit further comprises an acid amplifier as described herein. In some embodiments, an acid amplifier is blended into the resist and/or incorporated into a polymeric chain of the resist. FIG. 13 illustrates a lithographic resist comprising an adhesion unit, adamantyl component, energy harvesting unit and photoacid generator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a lithographic resist comprising at least one adhesion unit. An adhesion unit, in some embodiments, enhances the adhesion of a lithographic resist to a substrate.

In another aspect, the present invention provides lithographic processes. In one embodiment, a lithographic process of the present invention comprises exposing a lithographic recording medium to radiation to form a pattern, wherein the lithographic recording medium comprises any resist described herein. In some embodiments, a lithographic process further comprises developing the pattern. In some embodiments of lithographic processes of the present invention, radiation used in the patterning of resists comprises extreme ultraviolet radiation (EUV), x-ray radiation, 193 nm radiation, electron beam radiation, ion beam radiation, or combinations thereof.

In another aspect, the present invention provides integrated circuits prepared by lithographic processes utilizing the presently described resists.

Some exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be illustrated in the following specific, non-limiting examples.

Example 1 Synthesis of a Photoacid Generator of Formula (I)

4-Nitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride (1, 0.01 mol) was slowly added dropwise via addition funnel to a solution of triethylamine (0.03 mol) and trifluomethanesulfonamide (2, 0.011 mol) in 25 mL freshly distillated acetone, and the solution stirred at room temperature for 48 hours. The resulting mixture was concentrated via reduced pressure rotary evaporation. To the residue was added 25 mL 1.0 M HCl and the solution extracted with methylene chloride three times. The organic extracts were combined, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and solvent were removed via reduced pressure rotary evaporation followed by further drying for 72 hours at vacuum to give product yielding 92% of brown wax which was characterized as the triethylammonium salt (3).

This salt was next reacted with 50% aqueous solution of triphenylsulfonium chloride (0.012 mol) in acetonenitrile, at room temperature overnight. The resulting mixture was concentrated via reduced pressure rotary evaporation to remove acetonitrile. To the residue was extracted with methylene chloride three times. The organic extracts were combined, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and solvent were removed via reduced pressure rotary evaporation followed by further drying for 72 hours at vacuum to give product yielding 87% of colorless crystal which was characterized as the final product. FIG. 14 illustrates the foregoing synthesis. ¹H NMR (25° C., DMSO-d₆, ppm) δ8.32 (d, J=9.5 Hz, 2H), 8.01 (d, J=9.5 Hz, 2H), 7.38-7.86 (m, 15H). ¹³C NMR (25° C., DMSO-d₆, ppm) δ 150.5, 147.8, 141.0, 134.5, 132.4, 132.2, 131.5, 131.1, 130.5, 130.1, 128.1, 127.5, 125.6, 124.0. ¹⁹F NMR (25° C., DMSO-d₆, ppm, ext. CF₃COOH): δ −77.5 to −78.5. Anal. Calcd for C₂₅H₁₉F₃N₂O₆S₃: C, 50.06; H, 3.06; N, 4.43. Found: C, 50.31; H, 3.21; N, 4.70.

Example 2 Synthesis of a Photoacid Generator of Formula (I)

4-Methoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride (1, 0.01 mol) was slowly added dropwise via addition funnel to a solution of triethylamine (0.03 mol) and trifluomethanesulfonamide (2, 0.011 mol) in 25 mL freshly distillated acetone, and the solution stirred at room temperature for 48 hours. The resulting mixture was concentrated via reduced pressure rotary evaporation. To the residue was added 25 mL 1.0 M HCl and the solution extracted with methylene chloride three times. The organic extracts were combined, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and solvent were removed via reduced pressure rotary evaporation followed by further drying for 72 hours at vacuum to give product yielding 92% of brown oil which was characterized as the triethylammonium salt (3). This salt was next dissolved in 80 mL DMF and sodium ethanethiolate (0.025 mol) added. The reaction was keep reflux for 4 hours, and then the bulk DMF was removed via vacuum distillation. The remaining residue was then dissolved in 25 mL DI water and 25 mL brine added. The aqueous solution was then extracted with 50 mL portion THF that were discarded. The aqueous solution was then reacted with 50% aqueous solution of triphenylsulfonium chloride (0.012 mol) at room temperature overnight. The resulting mixture was extracted with methylene chloride three times. The organic extracts were combined, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and solvent were removed via reduced pressure rotary evaporation followed by further drying for 72 hours at vacuum to give product yielding 78% of colorless crystal which was characterized as the intermediate (5). ¹H NMR (25° C., DMSO-d₆, ppm) δ6.50 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.38 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.50-7.85 (m, 15H).

The intermediate (5) (5.0 mmol) was dissolved in 10 ml dried dichloromethane. Methacryloyl chloride (6.0 mmol in 3 ml dichloromethane) was added dropwise at 0° C. under nitrogen flow, then warmed to room temperature, kept it for 2 days. Then the solution was washed with DI water, and the organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate. On removal of the solvent, the product was obtained and dried under vacuum to get pale-yellow oil in yield of 75%. FIG. 15 illustrates the foregoing synthesis. ¹H NMR (25° C., DMSO-d₆, ppm) δ7.41-7.82 (m, 17H), 6.79 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.25 (s, 1H), 5.93 (s, 1H), 1.99 (s, 3H). ¹³C NMR (25° C., DMSO-d₆, ppm) δ 168.8, 160.2, 152.6, 147.3, 142.9, 141.2, 137.1, 135.9, 134.8, 132.5, 131.8, 131.5, 128.7, 128.3, 125.9, 125.6, 124.8, 122.2, 121.5, 119.1, 114.9, 18.3. ¹⁹F NMR (25° C., DMSO-d₆, ppm, ext. CF₃COOH): δ −77.8 to −78.6. Anal. Calcd for C₂₉H₂₄F₃NO₆S₃: C, 54.79; H, 3.81; N, 2.20. Found: C, 55.09; H, 4.13; N, 1.88.

Example 3 Synthesis of a Photoacid Generator of Formula (II)

The following synthesis of a photoacid generator of Formula (II) is further illustrated in FIG. 21.

Synthesis of naphthalen-1-yl methacrylate (3)

An oven dried 250 mL 2 neck round bottom flask fitted with a dropping funnel and guard tube under inert atmosphere was charged with 100 mL of dry dichloromethane, 1-naphthol (1) (5.0 g, 34.6 mmol) and triethyl amine (7.0 g, 70.0 mmol). The flask was cooled to −5° C. (ice & water bath), methacryloyl chloride (2) (5.4 g, 52.0 mmol) was added slowly over a period of 15 min at −5° C. The reaction was stirred for 2 h at −5° C. and allow to warm to room temperature and stirred for another 2 h at room temperature. Reaction was monitored by TLC (until naphthol was absent). Reaction mixture was poured into a 500 mL separating funnel and the organic layer was washed with water and aq. Na₂CO₃ The organic layer were again washed with water and dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄. DCM was removed under reduced pressure and the product was a viscous oil (compound 3) (6.61 g, yield 90%).

¹H NMR (25° C., CDCl₃, ppm) δ 7.80-8.0 (m, 2H), 7.60-7.70 (d, 1H), 7.30-7.45 (m, 3H), 7.25 (d, 1H), 6.60 (s, 1H), 5.85 (s, 1H), 2.20 (s, 3H);

GC-MS (m/z): 212.0 (100%).

Synthesis of 1-(4-Methacryloyoxy) naphthalene-1-yl)tetrahydro-1H-thiophenium trifluoromethanesulfonate (5): (Cyclic Cationic Photoacid Generator of Formula (II)

An oven dried 250 mL 2 neck round bottom flask fitted with a dropping funnel and guard tube under inert atmosphere was charged with 100 mL of dry dichloromethane, naphthalen-1-yl methacrylate(3)(5.0 g, 23.5 mmol), tetramethylene sulfoxide (4) (2.7 g, 25.9 mmol). The flask was cooled to −70° C. (dry ice & acetone bath), and trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (6.6 g, 23.5 mmol) was added slowly over a period of 15 min at −70° C. The reaction was stirred for 4 h at −70° C. and the reaction was monitored by TLC (until naphthalen-1-yl methacrylate was absent). After completion of the reaction, the mixture was allow to warm to room temperature the reaction mixture was poured into a 500 mL separating funnel saturated with aq NaHCO₃. The organic layer was washed with water and dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄. DCM was removed under reduced pressure and the product was isolated (compound 5) (8.98 g, yield 85%).

Characterized by:

FT-IR (neat), Cm⁻¹, 3094 (Naphthyl, C—H stretching); 1737(carbonyl C═O stretching);

¹H NMR (25° C., CDCl₃, ppm) δ 8.25-8.27 (d, 1H), 7.93-8.02 (d d, 2H), 7.50-7.71 (d d, 2H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 6.43 (s, 1H), 5.85 (s, 1H), 4.16-4.31 (m, 2H). 3.66-3.70 (m, 2H), 2.48-2.51 (m, 4H). 1.98-2.07 (s, 3H).

¹³C NMR (25° C., CDCl₃, ppm) 6164.82, 151.53, 134.83, 130.01, 129.08, 128.58, 128.51, 127.74, 122.83, 122.49, 119.08, 47.88, 29.03, 18.28;

¹⁹F NMR (25° C., ppm, CDCl₃, CF₃SO₃) δ−78.10 (s, 3F);

ESI-MS (m/z) 299.0 (cat ion) CF₃SO₃148.7 (anion); Anal. Calcd for C₁₉H₁₉F₃O₅S₂: C, 50.89; H, 4.24; S, 14.28. Found: C, 50.62; H, 4.31; S, 14.22.

Example 4 Synthesis of a Lithographic Resist Comprising a Photoacid Generator of Formula (I)

Terpolymer was prepared by free radical polymerization in sealed pressure vessels. Hydroxystrene (HOST), 2-ethyl-2-adamantyl-methacrylate (EAMA), PAG and 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as a free radical initiator (5 mole % to the monomers) were dissolved in freshly distilled anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (THF) and acetonitrile. Polymerization was performed at 65° C. for 24 hrs. The polymer solutions were precipitated into a large amount of diethyl ether or petroleum ether and dried in vacuum.

The polymerization composition was calculated by ¹H NMR. Table I provides molar feed ratios and other chemical and physical properties of the polymeric resist. FIG. 16 illustrates the foregoing synthesis.

TABLE I Lithographic Resist Properties Mole Feed Ratio Polymer composition Yield/ Mw Stability/ Tg/ Polymer HOST EAMA PAG HOST EAMA PAG % (PDI) ^(a) ° C. ^(b) ° C. HS-EM- 25 72.5 2.5 43.4 51.4 5.2 40.6 3100 167 123 spPAG (2.1)

Example 5 Acid Generation of Lithographic Resist Comprising a Photoacid Generator of Formula (I)

The following protocol was conducted for measuring acid generation. The lithographic resist of prepared in Example 4 was spin-cast onto a 4 inch Si wafer, whose weight was predetermined on an analytical balance, from 7.0 wt. % resist solutions in cyclohexanone. After casting, the resulting film was baked at 130° C. for 5 min to remove the solvent and were weighed again. The amount of resist on the film was calculated. The resist film was exposed to a 254 nm UV lamp equipped with a radiometer. Dose was calculated by exposure times multiplied by lamp intensity. The exposed film was stripped from the silicon wafer with DMSO and added to 1 mL of a stock solution of 0.3 mM tetrabromophenol blue (TBPB) in DMSO. The total volume was then raised to 10 mL by addition of DMSO. The resulting solution was characterized on a UV spectrometer. The amount of acid generated in the film by UV radiation was determined by monitoring the absorbance change of the TBPB indicator at 602 nm, against the calibration curves predetermined by using known amounts of triflic acid. Calibration curves showed a linear relationship between the amount of acid added to the indicator solution and the resulting absorbance intensity change at 602 nm. For comparison, the acid generation efficiency of the resist of Example 3 was expressed as mole of acid/mole of PAG units in the resist. The number of moles of PAG units in each resist was determined by ¹H NMR and resist weight.

The lithographic resist of Example 3 demonstrates an acid generation efficiency of 89% according to the foregoing protocol.

Various embodiments of the invention have been described in fulfillment of the various objectives of the invention. It should be recognized that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and adaptations thereof will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. An anionic photoacid generator of Formula (I):

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from the group consisting of -hydrogen, -alkyl, -alkenyl, -alkynyl, -cycloalkyl, -fluoroalkyl, -fluoroalkenyl, -fluoroalkynyl, -aryl, -heteroaryl, —O-alkyl, —O-alkenyl, —O-aryl, —O-alkylene-aryl, —O-alkylene-arylene-alkyl, —O-alkylene-arylene-alkenyl, —OC(O)-alkyl, —OC(O)-alkenyl, —O-alkylene-O-alkenyl, -carboxyl, -hydroxyl, -halo, -cyano and -nitro, wherein the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl groups of R¹-R⁶ are optionally and independently substituted one of more times with a substituent selected from the group consisting of -alkyl, -alkenyl, -fluoroalkyl, -fluoroalkyl, -aryl, —O-alkyl, —O-alkenyl, —O-aryl, —O-alkylene-aryl, -carboxyl, -hydroxyl, -halo, and -nitro; and X⁺is a compound selected from the group consisting of a sulfonium compound or an ionium compound.
 2. The anionic photoacid generator of claim 1 having the formula:

wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, -alkyl and —NO₂.
 3. The anionic photoacid generator of claim 1 having the formula:


4. The anionic photoacid generator of claim 1 having the formula:

wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, -alkyl and —NO₂.
 5. A cationic photoacid generator of Formula (II):

wherein R¹ is selected from the group consisting of -hydrogen, -alkyl, -alkenyl, -alkynyl, -cycloalkyl, -aryl, -heteroaryl, —O-alkyl, —O-alkenyl, —O-aryl, —O-alkylene-aryl, —O-alkylene-arylene-alkyl, —O-alkylene-arylene-alkenyl, —OC(O)-alkyl, —OC(O)-alkenyl, —O-alkylene-O-alkenyl, and —OH; R² is selected from the group consisting of alkylene, cycloalkylene, arylene, heteroarylene and polycyclic; R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are independently selected from the group consisting of -hydrogen, -alkyl, -alkenyl, -alkynyl, -cycloalkyl, -aryl, -heteroaryl, —O-alkyl, —O-alkenyl, —O-aryl, —O-heteroaryl, —O-alkylene-aryl, —O-alkylene-arylene-alkyl, —O-alkylene-arylene-alkenyl; wherein the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynl, cycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl of R¹ and R³-R⁶ are optionally and independently substituted one or more times with a substituent selected from the group consisting of -alkyl, -alkenyl, -alkynyl, cycloalkyl, -aryl, heteroaryl, —O-alkyl, —O-alkenyl, —O-aryl, —O-alkylene-aryl, -carboxyl, -hydroxyl, -halo, and -nitro; and X⁻ is selected from the group consisting of CF₃SO₃ ⁻, C₄F₉SO₃ ⁻and an anionic photoacid generator of Formula (I) wherein the counter cation is not present.
 6. The cationic photoacid generator of claim 5 having the formula:


7. An acid amplifier of Formula (III):

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹² are independently selected from the group consisting of -hydrogen, -alkyl, -alkenyl, -alkynyl, -cycloalkyl, -fluoroalkyl, -fluoroalkenyl, -fluoroalkynyl, -aryl, -heteroaryl, —O-alkyl, —O-alkenyl, —O-aryl, —O-alkylene-aryl, —O-alkylene-arylene-alkyl, —O-alkylene-arylene-alkenyl, —OC(O)-alkyl, —OC(O)-alkenyl, -carboxyl, -hydroxyl, -halo, -cyano and -nitro, wherein the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl groups of R¹-R⁸ are optionally and independently substituted one of more times with a substituent selected from the group consisting of -alkyl, -alkenyl, -fluoroalkyl, -fluoroalkyl, -aryl, —O-alkyl, —O-alkenyl, —O-aryl, —O-alkylene-aryl, —OC(O)-alkyl, —OC(O)-alkenyl, -carboxyl, -hydroxyl, -halo, and -nitro.
 8. The acid amplifier of claim 7 having the formula:


9. The acid amplifier of claim 7 having the formula:


10. The acid amplifier of claim 7 having the formula:


11. The acid amplifier of claim 7 having the formula:

wherein R is selected from the group consisting of -halo, -fluoroalkyl and —NO₂.
 12. A lithographic resist comprising a photoacid generator of Formula (I) or Formula (II) or combinations thereof.
 13. The lithographic resist of claim 12, further comprising an acid amplifier of Formula (III).
 14. The lithographic resist of claim 12, wherein the photoacid generator of Formula (I) or Formula (II) is copolymerized with the acid amplifier of Formula (III).
 15. The lithographic resist of claim 12, further comprising an energy harvesting unit.
 16. The lithographic resist of claim 15, wherein the energy harvesting unit comprises a conjugated polymer.
 17. The lithographic resist of claim 16, wherein the conjugated polymer comprises polythiophenes, polyphenylene vinylene (PPV), poly(2-vinylpyridine) (P2VP), polyamides, poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVCZ), polypyrrole (PPy), polyaniline (PAn).
 18. The lithographic resist of claim 12 further comprising an acid amplifier of Formula (III) and an energy harvesting unit.
 19. The lithographic resist of claim 18, wherein the acid amplifier of Formula (III) and the energy harvesting unit are copolymerized with the photoacid generator of Formula (I) or the photoacid generator of Formula (II).
 20. A lithographic process comprising: exposing a lithographic recording medium to radiation to form a pattern, the lithographic recording medium comprising a photoacid generator of Formula (I), Formula (II) or combinations thereof.
 21. The lithographic process of claim 20 further comprises developing the lithographic recording medium. 